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"All theses new builds are popping up at prices that many locals can’t afford even with the Government Help to Buy scheme and a further two new developments planned to start next year.

"I, like many, am struggling to find affordable long-term rentals in the area. Launceston Notice Board is full of posts asking 'any houses to rent'.

"So is it right that Wainhomes are advertising its new homes as 'ideal holiday homes'? I’m not impressed...

Withnoe Farm Launceston

"More needs to be done for those who can’t get on or not eligible to be on a housing list, unable to get a mortgage even though they work hard and pay out stupid amounts in rent each month and who are clearly able to afford a mortgage, if you could get one in the first place.

"With the lack of affordable rentals in this town, prices are getting out of hand for both buying and renting. These new-builds should not be allowed as holiday homes."

A local woman commented: "Shocking that this development is being offered as 'holiday home investment'.

"Disgraceful when so many in the area would love the security of their own home instead of renting but because of the ridiculously strict regulations for mortgages can't get onto the housing ladder."

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Scott Mann, MP for North Cornwall, said: "Affordable housing is top of my six point plan for North Cornwall, so I know the concerns of people in Launceston who want to buy their own home, only to see their aspirations seemingly thwarted by properties being marketed as buy-to-let or holiday homes.

"That said, properties purchased by local landlords will be available for rent to local people, but holiday homes will not.

"It is also important to appreciate that while Wainhomes may be marketing the development as potential holiday homes, they are not exclusively for that purpose, and are for sale in the open market on the same terms to any potential buyer.

He continued: "This case is a very good example of the challenges facing the housing market. The Government is committed to levelling the playing field, having introduced both a higher rate of Stamp Duty as well as a Capital Gains Tax surcharge on second homes and buy-to-let properties.

Wainhomes Withnoe Farm Launceston

"Cornwall Council also stipulated that 30% of this development should be social housing and shared ownership. There is considerable demand in Launceston and across Cornwall, and developers would be wise to think of this first when marketing their homes.

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"Many communities in Cornwall have, or are drawing up, Neighbourhood Development Plans, some of which include primary residence clauses whereby Cornwall Council have the power to direct developments toward meeting local need.

"I have no issue with these plans being expanded to other parishes and towns through neighbourhood-led development planning, as they would provide an incentive to developers to act as ‘good neighbours’ and ensure that their interests are aligned with those of local people and not seemingly at odds with them."

Earlier this year it was revealed a plan had been formed in Mevagissey to block people from purchasing properties in the harbour village for use as a holiday home, in an effort to "restore the balance to the playing field for local people".

The tourist hotspot near St Austell has seen a boom in the number of houses being purchased as holiday homes over recent years in what one local councillor described as an "onslaught of second-home owners”.

It follows a rule brought in last year at St Ives which bans new-builds from being sold as second homes.

Wainhomes has been approached for a response, however stated that no one would be available for comment today.